DNA-Iron Oxide Templated Multifunctional Nanocarbon Networks

The assembly of hybrid nanocomposites often leads to the emergence of new properties. For example, DNA-scaffolded colloidal gold can exhibit chiroplasmonic signals, while nanocomposite-integrated carbon nanotubes display gating properties. Here, we investigate the application of core – shell iron oxide-DNA nanoparticles as a universal nanotechnological “ glue ” for the fabrication of extended carbon-nanomaterial superstructures. The magnetic nanohybrid, i.e., the nanoglue, is produced by a simple self-assembly process and its properties are tested using three different carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs): single-wall carbon nano-tubes, graphene flakes, and fullerene. In all cases, the generated micrometric architectures integrate the magnetic, optical, and colloidal properties of the nanoglue, further turning water-insoluble CBNs into fully water-dispersible nanocomposites (ca. 1 g L− 1), and displaying photoresponsive properties, once organized in a device configuration. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy characterizations show distinctive geometries associated with the specific CBN employed. In addition, while Raman spectroscopy investigations demonstrate the hybrid possess increased p-type doping, fluorescence microscopy confirms green light emission. We envision the nanoglue presented in this study to be of general applicability for the construction of a variety of functional CBN architectures toward their potential integration into sensors, nanogates, and nanophotonic devices.